Aeronca Aircraft Corporation 7AC N1831E accident near Bagley, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot's delayed aborted takeoff, which resulted in the ski-equipped airplane running aground and striking trees. Contributing to the accident was the slush layer that had formed since the previous landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot landed the ski-equipped airplane on the snow-covered frozen lake earlier in the day. After several hours of ice fishing, he taxied the airplane to the east side of the lake for departure. The lake's longest axis (east/west) was approximately 2,000 feet long. The pilot reported that the lake's orientation, terrain gradient, shoreline trees, and prevailing winds favored a departure to the west. During the takeoff run, the airplane accelerated slower than normal due to a slush layer that had formed since the previous landing. The pilot reported that the tail became airborne about halfway across the lake, but he aborted the takeoff when the airplane had not attained flying airspeed after crossing 3/4 of the lake. The airplane was unable to stop before running aground and impacting several trees, substantially damaging the fuselage and both wings.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA210 for the full record.